Topic Contents

Life Transitions and PTSD

Topic Overview

You go through many transitions, or changes, in your life. They can
be good, bad, or just something different. Transitions include getting married
or divorced, moving, a new baby, a new job, or changes in your health.

All transitions can be stressful. Even a good transition, such as
getting a better job, is a change and can cause stress.

During a transition, you may not feel sure of yourself. You may feel
that you have lost something or feel nervous about the change. If you feel this
way during a transition, you may notice more intense symptoms of
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

You may not sleep well and may have
nightmares.

You may feel more anxious or nervous.

You
may feel distant from friends.

You may feel angry, sad, or
depressed.

The worries that a transition brings usually go away as you adjust to
the change. To help yourself during this time, you can:

Get enough sleep.

Eat
well.

Get exercise.

Avoid alcohol and drugs.

Talk to family and friends about it.

If your PTSD symptoms are still bad months after the transition, see
your doctor.

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